Wednesday, November 27, 2024
My Uncle Paul always made me feel included and taken care of when my sister, Kyle, and I spent summer days at his house with Michael, Kara, and Scott. I wasn’t the youngest, but I was the smallest, and Uncle Paul ensured I didn’t get left out or behind. Even when I was small, he greeted me with such enthusiasm — “Hey hey, Shaebear!” — and a big hug and kiss. He was so warm, attentive, and fun. I loved walking to the lake, grilling and playing in his backyard, and vacationing to the beach with his family when I got a bit older. Watching old home videos always makes me smile, especially seeing our parents playing yard games — Paul was great with a wiffle ball bat! — and enjoying each other’s company. And, though we lived a few states away, and then I moved to California after college, he kept up with our lives and asked all the good, thoughtful questions each time we visited. I’m so grateful I got to see him just a week ago and that he got to meet my husband, Nick, whom he greeted with a big, familiar hug as though they’d known each other forever. Sending all of my love to Mike, Kara, Scott, Patty, and the rest of the Kennedy family. I loved him, and I feel lucky to call him my Uncle Paul. ❤️